Sports expo starts today
The show opens today at the South Towne Exposition Center and will run through Sunday.
It has become the largest presentation of outdoor goods, services and information in Utah. This year more than 500 outdoor-related companies will be present.
Products in the show will include boats, motors and marine accessories; RVs, campers and outdoor gear; travel, vacations, lodges and resorts; fishing and hunting outfitters and guides; fishing tackle and gear; hunting products and gear; outdoor apparel and optics; hiking, mountain biking and scuba; outdoor gadgets and furnishings; shooting sports and gun clubs; trucks, trailers and after-market accessories; ATVs, motorcycles and personal watercraft.
There will also be a number of seminars offered.
Greg Davenport, one of the nation's leading authorities on survival in multiple environments, will be at the show.
There will be fly-tying demonstrations, a shooting simulator, dog training information, archery and black-powder hunting experts and fishing experts to answer questions.
Part of the show will involve the Youth Outdoor Sports Fair. Children will be able to "fish through the ice," as well as drive remote all-terrain vehicles, have a hands-on experience with animals antlers and putt for prizes.
According to Bob Walters, watchable wildlife coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, holes will be drilled in a wooden platform to represent ice. The platform will then be placed over a fishing pond. Kids will be able to "fish through the ice" and catch rainbow trout. Special prizes will also be awarded.
Walters said the youth fair is geared toward children 12 and younger.
"We especially encourage parents to participate in the activities with their kids," Walters said. "All of the DWR booths are interactive and are designed to teach children about wildlife. We want the kids to have fun and to learn something in the process."
Ann Evans, education specialist with the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation, said kids will be able to drive remote-control ATVs, putt for prizes, become a Junior Ranger and escape a sinking ship.
"To show kids the importance of water safety, we're simulating a boat capsizing while the kids scramble to find and secure their life jackets," Evans added. "This is an important and fun lesson to learn in a safe, controlled environment.
Show hours today and Friday are noon to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The South Towne Exposition Center is located at 9575 S. State. Tickets are $10 for adults. Children 12 and under are free.
For more information visit www.sportsexpos.com.
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